Arunachal Health Minister visits remote health sub-centre in Lower Dibang Valley, flags infrastructure gaps

Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge undertook an inspection of health facilities in remote areas of Lower Dibang Valley district, reaching a sub-centre in Banggo village after crossing a river by boat, highlighting persistent accessibility challenges in the region.

The Health Sub-Centre, located in Banggo, serves residents of Mer and Banggo villages, along with nearby habitations across the Assam border. Access to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) remains difficult for these populations due to the absence of reliable connectivity and the need to cross the river, a process that becomes particularly hazardous during the monsoon season.

The facility is currently operating out of a temporary kaccha structure constructed voluntarily by local villagers and inaugurated in 2025. During the visit, the Minister reviewed the condition of the infrastructure and assessed the availability of basic healthcare services.

Officials present during the inspection briefed the Minister on the challenges faced by healthcare workers, including lack of permanent infrastructure and accommodation. The absence of residential quarters for doctors and staff has been cited as a key constraint in ensuring consistent service delivery in the area.

Wahge noted the urgent need for developing proper infrastructure at the sub-centre, including staff quarters, to strengthen healthcare access in the remote belt. He held discussions with the concerned MLA and the District Medical Officer (DMO) on measures required to address the gaps and indicated that the government would work towards a viable solution.

The visit forms part of a broader effort by the state government to assess healthcare delivery in hard-to-reach areas and identify interventions to improve service accessibility in remote and border regions.